Following Root Canal Therapy

Anesthetic Precautions

When an anesthetic has been used, your lips and tongue may be numb for several hours after the appointment. Avoid any chewing and hot beverages until the numbness has completely worn off. It is very easy to bite or burn your tongue or lip while you are numb.

It is normal to experience some hot, cold & pressure sensitivity after your appointment. Injection sites may also be sore. If you are able, Ibuprofen (Motrin), Tylenol or aspirin (one tablet every 3-4 hours as needed for pain) work well to alleviate the tenderness. If pressure sensitivity persists beyond a few days or if the sensitivity to hot or cold increases, contact our office at Root River Dental Phone Number 507-533-7735.

Following Root Canal Therapy

It usually take two or three appointments to complete root canal therapy. Since the teeth will be anesthetized, the tongue, lips and roof of the mouth may be numb. Please refrain from eating and drinking hot beverages until the numbness is completely worn off.

It is normal to experience some dull or achy discomfort and/or biting sensitivity after each appointment. The sensitivity should subside a few weeks after the placement of the final restoration.

Use the pain medication as directed. Call the office at Root River Dental Phone Number 507-533-7735 if the medication doesn’t seem to be working. If antibiotics are prescribed, continue to take them for the indicated length of time, even if signs and symptoms of infection are gone. Drink lots of fluid and eat nutritious soft food on the day of the extraction. You can eat normally as soon as you are comfortable.

It is important to resume your normal dental routine after 24 hours. This should include brushing and flossing your teeth at least once a day. In most cases, you will need a permanent filling or crown following root canal therapy. Front teeth generally require a filling or crown, while back teeth will require a crown. If you do not have a permanent filling or crown following root canal therapy, you may be at risk of your tooth fracturing. If a tooth fractures, the tooth may not be able to be saved and will need to be extracted.

After a few days you will feel fine. If your bite feels uneven, or you have persistent or severe pain, continued swelling for 2-3 days, or a reaction to the medication, call our office immediately at Root River Dental Phone Number 507-533-7735.